Where do you feel it is appropriate for someone to smoke?

Jazmyne - posted on 10/23/2012
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I have been reading a lot of posts about smoking resently and was just curious that if you feel that noone should be allowed to smoke in parking lots, sidewalks, their own homes, cars etc. Where do you feel is an appropriate place to smoke? I personally feel as long as noone's around me, and I am outside I should be able to smoke. What is your take on this?

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Lady Heather - posted on 11/01/2012

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I am also anti-scented things. Major allergies. Believe me, if there was a push to remove that crap in enclosed spaces like smoking, I'd be on board. Lol. And I don't drive so I feel like I can complain. Obviously that's more of a necessity of life though. We should all do our best to limit our polluting, but you can't eliminate necessities. That's the difference there. Also I've yet to find someone who has parked a running car in my bus shelter. But smokers stand under there and then my only options are to a) ask them to put it out or b)stand in the inclement weather with my children. Not all smokers. I'm sure 95% are very considerate. But there are instances where you can't just move away. That's what I'm talking about. I don't think it should be illegal everywhere, but the government needs to provide protection for those areas so that we don't all have to get ill. Like the line up for the walk in clinic here. Someone is always smoking in that line. IT MAKES ME CRAZY.

Who says those of us who complain about smoking don't complain about the other shit? We do. I complain about everything. I love complaining. It's kind of a hobby of mine.

Opium is a natural plant product too, just sayin'. I wouldn't recommend that as a healthy alternative. But anyway......

Where something came from is irrelevant to its effects. The fact is, marijuana is a danger to children's development too, exposure has an effect on brain development. So you still shouldn't be smoking that while you are pregnant or around children. If you want to have a smoke when not near your kids, and not in a confined space, then I could care less.

You are right I shouldnt have to, I just live in a tobacco state and Im soo used to almost everyone smoking Ive always had to do that. Its habit I guess. I would personally like it do be like alcohol, have it at home, and you cant have it it public using it It would be much healthier.. BUT my concern is the government, I dont like how they try to overstep boundaries , and I am concerned that they will just keep taking rights from citzens. I just think people all over are going to do things I dont like, but I probably do things they dont like. Im not going say they need to lose their freedom for my own. Thats why there is comprimise people still have a right to smoke outside in most areas and we have public indoor areas and not have to worry about smoke

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Becky - posted on 11/14/2012

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If you don't have children, smoking in your own home and vehicle is fine. I may not want to visit your home or ride in your vehicle if you smoke in them, and I sure as hell wouldn't buy them, but that's my issue, not yours. :) People smoking outside, away from others, especially away from children, is fine. I agree with it being very annoying when someone is walking down the sidewalk in front of you smoking! You can't get away from them! I know that most smokers are considerate and I am sure that all of you who smoke are. But my city maybe has a disproportionately large percentage of jerky smokers, because I seem to encounter them a lot. I am constantly seeing people pushing their kids on the swings or in their strollers while smoking. I want to shake them, seriously! Or standing right outside a building entrance or 6 feet from the hospital entrance, when you're not even allowed to smoke on the property, anywhere. I had a lady light up right in front of me and my 2 young kids in a line-up for an outdoor breakfast once. I was tempted to smack her. (I wouldn't, because you know, but I wanted to!) I had someone sit down next to me and the child I was babysitting while we were waiting for a city bus and light up. (And bus stops here are supposed to be smoke-free) And people smoke all over our public beach, which has no smoking signs posted. If it is your private property, a designated smoking area or a public area where smoking is allowed, fine, smoke and if I don't like it, I can avoid you. But if it's a non-smoking area, yes, it DOES in fact, apply to YOU too! Sorry, rant over!

I don't like the smell of smoke in my hair, clothes, car, etc. If I go to a restraunt and smoking is allowed, I leave. I remember leaving the airport and the smoking area was right outside in front. I could not even wait for my ride without pacing to get away from it since there were no seats and I needed to be outside. Really sucked and I was glad I didn't have my daughter with me. I don't look down on smokers but I just don't need smoke in my life. I get the worse sore throats from just being in the same area of smoke more than 10 mins. Sucks.

There's already a war. It's that pesky war on drugs that won't go away. I think we need not add another drug. Ha.

I'm not sure up here the government is really *that* concerned about the tax dollars. Well, they are but I think it's more of a looking to pay for the healthcare of smokers. I don't know if they end up getting more tax than they pay out. Hmm. Something to look into. But you know, if something is making people sick, somebody who is responsible might as well pay for it. People are going to smoke anyways and if it was illegal there'd be no way to cover those costs and still offer universal healthcare.

I used to smoke and havent for a few yrs now! It is very very hard to quit and I am very blessed I was able to. But yes you are right, I just wanted to make apoint. I know that there is more into it than money but that is a big issue. I just dont feel like the goverment cares about health as the #1 issue, I wish I felt differently but I dont. And yes there would be huge outbreaks of people expecially in my state (ky) lol if they took it away. At least if they could quit putting all the chemicals in them it would be soo much better, actually smoke just tobacco woul be healthier for everyone.

I truly feel for smokers cause I have personally witnessed the struggle they go through to quit. I hate the habit and most smokers I meet, hate the habit as well. I feel there should be more designated areas for them cause I hate their smoke it chokes me and my babies. It's such a hard addiction.

OMG - if they were to just stop selling tobacco products, there would be a war! LOL

I may actually live but I know some people that would outright freak and not in a good way. They could not take it away.

The prison where I live did just that. They said, on this date, there will be no more smoking allowed in this prison. Well, that date came and there was a massive outbreak. Inmates went crazy! They had a complete lock down for a couple weeks. Inmates were killed and if I am not mistaken, so were a couple guards. So, they had to lift the smoking ban. It sure didn't last long. ;)

I agree money is a part of it but I think the rights of others is a bigger part. You can't legalize something for so long, get people addicted and then take it away. It would never ever work.

I think there is this knowledge, even amongst government officials, that being too Big Brothery is not a good idea.

I don't smoke and I do not like it when people smoke near me - but I will certainly defend the right of an adult smoker to smoke in their own home (not with kids present) if they want to. As long as they are informed on smoking dangers (or can get informed if they so choose) they are free to do as they please in their home.

I understand people have allergies and smells bother them. But truthfully do you really think the goverment cares more about our health than money? Really think about it, tobacco is taxed and very expensive at that. If they really were worried about how dangerous it is for our health why wouldnt they just take it away, it would help with having no second hand smoke and for people having the addiction to cigarettes, everyone will be healthier. But why dont they do that? The money. They are striking a gold mine and they are only putting these rules in certain areas that people cant smoke here or there because citzens who do truly care about health are complaining so it helps not have an uproar from the people and for the most part both sides are okay. The same thing with perfumes or anything else that produces a smell thats optional to use. People want the money from the business and they will do anything they can, to do so As in cigarettes they put all these crazy chemicals and things that are very addicting for people to keep buying. If our leaders really cared about the terrible side effects from smoking they would ban it all together. But they arnt going to do so money is" way too important"

It all sounds good to me. Since I am a smoker (as previously stated) but I am one of the considerate ones. Actually, if I am out with my kids and happen to come across an inconsiderate smoker - where my kids are having to breath it in (and I do not search for a smoker) - I WILL tell them and not nicely. ;)

I do think we all have rights. Whether it be to smoke or not (or other rights/choices) that can go either way. However, all rights deserve consideration from both sides, regardless of their own personal opinion.

West--- Don't feel sorry for us. To be honest, I choose to smoke, therefore if it means I go outside in the pouring rain, than that is what it means. We cannot smoke inside any enclosed spaces here. Which includes bars and restaurants. I actually really appreciate it this way. Even though I smoke, I cannot stand a room full of smoke. Last time I went to a concert, we were still allowed to smoke inside and honestly, I felt ill. I don't think I had one smoke because there was enough in the air to compensate. Now, you can no longer smoke in any of these places and I like it like that. ;)

I'm not a smoker, so I hate when smokers smoke near me even if it's outside cause it aggravates my allergies. But at the same time I feel kind of sorry for them cause in Charlotte they no longer allow smoking in restaurants and bars and I feel sorry for people outside in inclement weather. I feel like they can smoke at a distance from non smokers. Our city is petitioning to make our entire uptown smoke free and I don't think that's fair.

ETA: I forgot to add: You are correct most people do something negative that affects their own health. It is when it affects others health that there is an issue.

I am over-weight. This affects my health. It might affect tax payers, as overweight people might take more than their fair share of tax dollars through illness related to weight.

Smoking affects peoples health. It is also a tax payer issues - as they might use more health care money than non-smokers. Smoking has the added issue of affecting other peoples health through second hand smoke.

Momma, I do not think people should be allowed to wear scents in enclosed spaces, either. I had to get off a bus once in winter because the perfume someone was wearing was literally going to make me throw up.

I also do not think sick people should go into enclosed public spaces when they are ill. They can make others ill.

It is not just about cigarettes - I do not think people have the right to do things that make other people unwell.

As per nor complaining about other things that make people unwell, well, some of us do…and some of us support changes that increase health for everyone.

In Ontario, for example, older cars have to pass a clean air test. Public transit exists, bike lanes exist, etc.

I think smoking gets targeted for 2 reasons:

1. Perhaps because smoking is so bad for you and everyone else, there has been a big push to curtail it. This push might be needed in other areas as well, but it is still being eclipsed by smoking.

2. smoking is seen as a lifestyle choice (as is scent wearing). No one has to smoke on the beach or wear scent on a bus. People do have to get to work - and if you work or live in an area without decent public transportation, you are most likely going to have to drive. We can lower the amount of driving people do through public awareness of alternatives, but bottom line: some people are going to have to drive. No one has to smoke - and certainly no one has to smoke in crowded public spaces.

Well, as I have said, there are things that others do, that do affect others health. Again, scents. That travels everywhere you go.

Yes, this topic is about smoking BUT many keep bringing up how smoking "can" affect your health. Well so can many things. Many people do things to themselves that affects their health. So, I guess now, it has to do with being able to make our own decisions, rather than others making them for us? Well, if that is the case (which I am sure it is), then DON'T stand around people that are smoking. Again, you are an adult and you can make those choices, just like you can make the other choices of eating healthy or not, doing drugs or not, drinking or not, etc.... I have yet to meet someone that was so into being healthy, that they did nothing that could ever compromise it. This includes body builders, workout nuts and the alike. Many still drink on occasion and well, alcohol is just not good for your health. People drive gas guzzling vehicles, that pollutes our air, terribly. They use wood stoves, yes, that is polluting our air. Why is a smoker so much worse than all these other pollutants? Why are these other things not being complained about? I don't understand the thought process, as there are many pollutants that people throw into the air and they all can cause health problems. It's not just cigarette smoke. I do agree, though, it is harmful. It is just not the only harmful ingredient in our polluted air. Until there is proof of how better our air would be, without cig smoke, I think people that smoke have rights and they should keep them.

However, as I have said before. A smoker should not be out in open spaces, where a bunch of other people are with a lit smoke. It is just ignorant and inconsiderate.

Stacy….I think there is a difference between things you do not like and things that can affect your health.

I might let wander around in really trampy clothes. You might not approve of it, but it does not really affect you - so you get no say in the matter. Things that do affect you - particularly in the health department, you do get a say in. You should need to suffer through a coughing fit to get in a building, for example.

Well i believe in freedom and to get as much of it as we can. I am a non smoker and in our county smoking is not aloud in public restuarants, stores, etc and not around hospitals. I am glad they do this because I dont want to be around it. Still out in public people can smoke outside and in cars. I am not fond of smoking at all, but I dont think the goverment should over power this by restricting places even further. People have a right to smoke if they want and for me to take it further is a step too far. If I dont wanna be around it I just move away from it

I am not proud that I still had a few cigarettes a day when I was pregnant either. I just was never able to give up.

It's an interesting topic, and I just taught a Psychology class last week with Introduction to Substance Abuse, and they were quite baffled by the addiction. I was able to talk to them from both personal experience and also show them the biological, social and psychological issues with taking up the habit, and it was absolutely delightful to see them so anti-smoking, and so very focused on the negative effects. We talked about the social acceptability of smoking, from right back in the 1940s when doctors were endorsing it, and the government were giving them out as a distraction during the war, to the 1960 and 1970 s when the health implications first started to become evident, to the banning of advertising and other measures taking effect from the 1990s onwards.

Having had discussions similar to this in past Psych classes full of teenagers, I am very hopeful that teens these days are taking notice. The uptake of smoking has decreased significantly in this country due to the various measures taken (including limiting where you can smoke), to the point where I believe it has dropped from 72 % of males and 26% of females in 1945 to only a total of 16% of the population in 2007. We have a way to go, but I do see evidence that the lack of social acceptability seems to be have the biggest impact on uptake and continuing smoking. So even a smoker can advocate making it less socially acceptable, because it means their own children may be less likely to make the same mistakes :)

And sorry, I did forget that you were pregnant. I don't condemn you for still smoking. As an ex smoker, I KNOW how hard it is. Making the effort is great. If you need support when the time comes that you take the Champix and totally give up, keep me in mind. I know we have our differences, but it isn't anything personal....it's just a debate :)

Well, another thing I am not proud of, is that I still smoke and am 23 weeks pregnant. I have gone from 30 a day to 8 but I am still smoking. UGH! I swear it is worse than any drug out there, to quit. So, I can't take Champix due to being pregnant.

I know a few people that have used it and had great success. My doctor recommends it, she said she has had many succeed with it. Good to know, there is another (yourself) that won the battle using this quit smoking regimen.

Thanks, Jodi. I am truly done with it. I just need some help to get me by. I have tried three times in the past, using the patch and it is just not good enough. I think Champix will be the winner, plus I am just tired of the entire "smoking" life (even though, I do enjoy it, when not pregnant - while pregnant, I beat myself up about it, quite a bit) and want to increase my chances of being around longer for my children. ;)

"Even though I am a smoker - we should NOT be walking down the street with a smoke lit. "

I absolutely have to agree with you there. If you are going to have a cigarette in public, choose a spot and stick to it!

"I am not proud that I smoke. I HATE that I smoke and have for 23 years. Come next year when I can take Champix, I will be."

Good luck with it :) Why can't you take Champix now? I had to use Champix to give up, but it worked for me. I haven't even FELT like a cigarette in over 3 years now, and I was a smoker for about 20+ years, and had tried many other methods to give up.

Even though I am a smoker - we should NOT be walking down the street with a smoke lit. Seriously, there are some precautions and courtesy's we need to partake in. I live in a huge city and our downtown area is always extremely busy. It is where the boardwalk is and we are a high tourist area. I just would not feel right smoking amongst a crowd of people. I don't know, I guess I have a conscience.

You know, I am allergic to scents. Many people try their best to be courteous but like smokers, you always get an asshat that doesn't think of others. Scents make me very ill, I do my best to stay clear of them. The only problem is that people that wear scents travel with it at all times, a smoker is able to duck out and take care of their need in 2-5mins and be done with it.

BTW - I am not proud that I smoke. I HATE that I smoke and have for 23 years. Come next year when I can take Champix, I will be. The only thing is, since I do smoke, I cannot say it is acceptable to not allow it somewhere, we need areas available to us. It is legal and it is my right but I do realize others have rights, too. So, I will do the best I can but others need to be aware and make their own choices as well. Such as staying clear of me when I am standing in a designated area. ;)

"I knew a few people who coughed uncontrollably when around cig smoke.....cept I later learned they were exaggerating (had no asthma, no nothing). " HOPE

Wow. Just wow. I cannot believe you think they are faking it - just to support your entitled world view.

I cough around smokers. My eyes occasionally water, and I have been known to feel a little ill. I do not have asthma. You can cough due to cigarette smoke without asthma! You do not have the right to smoke around me because it makes me sick. Even if it didn't, you do not have the right to expose me or anyone to your second hand smoke without their express consent.

I will not follow you or any smoker around (indeed, I applaud smokers who are considerate of others and move away, or use designated smoke areas).

Hope, just because it is legal for a smoker to smoke while walking down a sidewalk does not mean it is right. I have no objections if the sidewalk is quiet, or crossing the street is easy, but if the sidewalk is really busy, I think you should wait until you are in an emptier space to light up. Despite what you think, it is not your right to light up anywhere. There are numerous laws around which state where people can and cannot light up, because non smokers have the right not to inhale second hand smoke. The right to not inhale second hand smoke (a health issue) trumps your desire to smoke anywhere (a lifestyle choice).

We do agree on one thing - most smokers are courteous and do not impose their habit on others - but arguing that smoking is a right and people should be able to do it wherever they want outside is not going to help your case. You are wrong to want to smoke everywhere, and if you push it, the law will come down on the side of non-smokers. It already has in many areas.

Outside, away from entrances and children. I do not think it is OK to litter your butts, either. I do not think walking while smoking is OK, as you are then not allowing non-smokers to get away. However, outside in a smoking area or close to that concept, yes.

I am a smoker and I am a considerate one. Everyone has rights, which includes a smoker.

In Canada, they are pretty strict on where one can smoke. You cannot smoke near buildings, any intakes, inside anywhere (there are NO indoor smoking sections) and in your car with underage children. All of these I support completely and fully. However, I should be able to go outside, away from any building and/or intakes and smoke.

I am also in no way responsible for someone else's health but those that cannot make a decision for themselves, hence children. I can and will be considerate but if someone is concerned for themselves, they need to ensure they are NOT coming in contact with me while I am smoking.

Adults can switch the side of street or make a choice of what they want to do, when they see me smoking. I cannot dictate to anyone that they need to eat healthier so that they don't get or have diabetes. And YES, their unhealthiness does affect others. They cost the health system billions, just as smokers do. Nope, it may not affect my health but drunk and/or high drivers (even those that are doing so called "natural" herbs) kill people everyday when driving under the influence. So, there are many things that people do that has an adverse affect on others, not just smokers. Meh.

I also ONLY smoke outside. I never smoke in my children's presence. However, I strongly teach them how terrible of a habit it is. Although, strangers telling me how bad it is and how it is hurting them doesn't make me want to quit any more or any less. It has absolutely no strength. How others feel is not my problem, as long as I take considerations and precautions (for children), I will do it with or without a strangers blessing. ;)

"yet it is okay for smokers to have the right to say where they want to smoke?"

LOL I can reverse that right back at ya hon! So you have the right to tell me where I get to smoke? Do you realize the places smokers have to go to smoke? I work a 9-5 and I have to go to the bottom floor of a parking garage with almost no ventilation all because of people like YOU. You have as much right to walk down the side walk as I do, don't talk about who's rights impede on another. That's a crock especially when something legal is involved. If you want to talk rights, educate yourself on the subject first before arguing it. That's my two cents. It's so funny you talk about your "right to a stroll down the sidewalk" LOL what right is that exactly? Explain to me because I'm sure that your right to walking is the exact equivalent of a car driving down the road. Did you ever think about what else pollutes "your" air? Uh, I dunno....maybe cars?!?! I think they outnumber smokers by the millions.....yet you're so passionate about telling smokers what to do. I knew a few people who coughed uncontrollably when around cig smoke.....cept I later learned they were exaggerating (had no asthma, no nothing).

Perhaps you should take your beef with the tobacco companies who put all the crap in cigs. I have a beef with them too.....I don't buy packs anymore- I roll my own. If you don't remember, people smoked everywhere back when. Most if not all smokers I know are very polite so I don't know what you all have to complain about. We all gather in groups, smoke away from others. When do you see a smoker intentionally blow smoke in your face just to piss on your parade? I've never seen it, nor heard of it. Learn that you cannot control everything in public and maybe you'll have a better life.

I'm sorry but in some ways, pot can be just as harmful as tobacco. It can still cause damage, even through second hand inhalation.

Also, it doesn't matter what it is, if you inhale something into your body, you are still going to have a bad side effect to your body. Tobacco, pot, hell you can go and inhale oregano, it's still going to do something to you because you are putting something in your lungs that should not be in there.

It's been said that tobacco is manufactured while marijuana is a natural herb.

Well, tobacco is also a natural plant. And, if you don't buy cigarettes, you don't get the nasty chemicals. My hubby quit buying packs and started buying loose leaf. You wouldn't believe the difference in both the ingredients listed in the loose leaf (tobacco, no additives)! The roll-your-owns are less addicting. He doesn't feel the craving for a cigarette now, just rolls one once in awhile, compared to lighting up every 15 minutes.

That being said, I agree with Little miss, jazmyne, and everyone else who's said "If I make a point of MOVING AWAY FROM A CROWDED AREA, and someone still bitches about my smoking, then I will ask why did they follow me."

I've been a school aide, a parental chaperon, a scout leader, and all while being a smoker. None of my "kids" ever saw me smoke. My own kids have, but only outdoors. We have an air cleaner in the house to take care of anything residual from the smoking room, which is off limits to kids of all ages. We have many friends who have asthma, who have never, ever realized that we do have a smoking room in our house, because they never react. We have one young friend with a heart problem who's never had a problem at out house, because we are conscientious.

That being said, we're also almost done. Hubby is down to 3 cigs a day. I can take it or leave it (mostly what they call a social smoker) so I haven't had any for a couple of weeks.

i can't stand cigarette smoke. my lungs are very sensitive and that stuff clogs me up so bad. it makes me physically ill, and i don't want it anywhere near my kids. i don't like how people stand right outside store doors and smoke so that the wind blows it inside and into other people's faces. that's really rude in my opinion. i'd appreciate it if people didn't poison my air any more than it already is.

I also agree that smoking is harmful to others. That is why I do it outside while noone is around. Second hand smoke is damaging, and since it is my choice, I need to be considerate of others who *may* be around and/ or effected by my personal choice.

OK, OK. Ladies no offence and I probably should have been more spacific. This post is about smoking Cigarettes only. Lets leave marijuana out of it. If you want to argue for/ against it please start a new post. I don't want to see this get out of hand. Please and thank you.

ummm FYI marijuana is an all natural HERB that comes from a PLANT that not only contains NO carcinogens or neuro toxins but also aids in many health ailments. Cigarettes are covered in more than 2000 man made chemicals that are ALL known to be carcinogenic. Cigarettes have been proven to be harmful and kill people every day. Marijuana has been proven to be beneficial and saves people every day ( and also NEVER once killed or evened harmed someone). People all over the world have been using marijuana as medicine for thousands of years! Marijuana is prescribed to people who need it from doctors who understand its healing properties. Cigarettes are sold by companies and come with a label warning you of the many deadly diseases it causes. If you actually look at all the facts, and not just blindly listen to the propaganda, you would see there is absolutely no comparison. One is a medicine, one is a poison.

I also know children of smokers are more likely to grow up and smoke themselves.

I know a number of adults who smoke but always do so outside. While it is not great role modelling and they should quit, protecting their children's health by smoking outside is a cool move and gets props from me.

Kathy (who frequently felt sick when trapped in a car with her smoking parents (shudder))

That's a good question! I understand every one has the right to make their own decisions so I say this in the least judgmental way possible. As someone who quit smoking for my unborn baby and has stayed quit for my now 4 month old daughter, I would never even consider being a smoker and having a child. My mom smoked around me my whole life (she still does to this day!), that's what ultimately lead to me smoking. That being said, I think it is irresponsible to be a smoker and have a child. Soooo, basically I think if there are children in the house you shouldn't smoke at all. BUT, that is only my personal opinion and I understand most people would disagree. In fact, most people I know smoke so please don't be offended or feel like I'm condemning or judging you, lol!

I was a smoker for almost 10 years. When I got pregnant I quit and have never gone back. When I was a smoker I had the "Its my decision to smoke, I'll smoke where ever I want attitude". Now that I've quit I see how wrong that is. Yes, it was my decision to smoke BUT it's wasn't other people's decisions to inhale my second hand smoke.I now am disgusted every time I see someone smoking in a public area. I don't feel its right to pollute the air that EVERYONE has to breath. Honestly, I think cigarettes should be banned completely. Not only is it poison for the one choosing to smoke, it's poison to every other human and creature in the world. But I think if you do choose to smoke, it shouldn't be done outside your own home. Your decision to smoke, so keep your smoke to yourself. :)

"I don't believe that other people have the right to say where a smoker gets to smoke."

So why is it that you think others have no right to say where smokers should impose their habit on others, and yet it is okay for smokers to have the right to say where they want to smoke? Are the rights of smokers, whose habits have effects on other people's health, more important than those of non-smokers, whose requests have no effect on other people's health? Yeah, that makes sense.

"I don't care if you don't agree with smoking because frankly that's not my problem LOL. I don't agree with crack, but I still see that same crack head homeless person on the street corner every day. "

What an absolutely entitled attitude. I see smokers on the street every day too. But they aren't necessarily smoking! So what if you see a crack head on the street! If he's not sitting there doing his crack, THAT is none of your business. Same as if the smoker is not there smoking in my face, it is none of my business if they are a smoker or not. What a silly analogy.

I don't believe that other people have the right to say where a smoker gets to smoke. It's understandable to not let it happen inside say an office building, or on a playground. Outside on the sidewalk is fair game to me. If you have a problem with smoking then I suggest you go somewhere else. People are always going to have issues with what other's do, but the important thing to remember is it's not up to "them" it's up to you! If you don't like my cigarette smoke then don't come near it! In my city, smoking has been banned pretty much anywhere and guess how many people still smoke in those banned places? Everybody who smokes. The police don't punish you for it because as long as it's legal to buy a pack of cigs, you should be able to smoke them ESPECIALLY outside. I don't care if you don't agree with smoking because frankly that's not my problem LOL. I don't agree with crack, but I still see that same crack head homeless person on the street corner every day. I don't agree with prostitutes but I still see them walkin' the streets. wtf am I gonna do about it? Sit and complain and make others miserable (along with myself?) No. I drop it because again...it's not my problem! I think people need to learn to grasp the simple way of life- a carefree life where you can't control everything around you and to even try simply makes you crabby and unbearable to be with (in my honest opinion- it's what I call a control freak.)

I think there should be designated smoking areas outdoors so I know where to avoid. :D I don't think they should be allowed to smoke under covered walkways. We have many of those in town and the smoke just collects. There's one over the lineup for the walk in clinic (don't even get me started on lining up outdoors to get in the clinic) and it's always full of smoke. This is great when you are stuck there with your baby. Also playgrounds - just no. And pick up your fucking butts. The world is not your ash tray.

Most smokers I know are respectful individuals but the rotten apples are really ruining things for them.

I think you need to be at least 50 feet away from where people congregate to smoke, and outdoors. People should be able to smoke inside their own homes and cars, as long as there are no kids present.

Alone on beach? Sure

Crowded Beach? No

At swing set at park? No

50 feet away from where kids play, on park bench? Okay

sidewalk - is it busy? Empty? Can you cross to other side easily is you see a gaggle of kids coming?

Balcony - if it is close to other balconies, I would smoke if no one else was outside or if I got consent from them. Some balconies are close together, and person A wanting a smoke should not infringe on person B's enjoyment of their balcony.

In Australia, it is becoming more and more common in public places to see smoking areas, but smoking banned in various public places. I think this is a good thing. There are enough places you are permitted to smoke that you aren't exactly having your liberties removed, but neither is anyone else.

When it comes down to it, smoking does infringe on the rights of non-smokers, and non-smokers wanting nothing to do with the smoke does infringe on the rights of smokers to choose the habit. Designated smoking areas in places that have no way of infringing on the rights of others is a good compromise.

For example, there is no longer any smoking near cafes, restaurants, or doorways of public buildings (by law), but they do make sure there are designated areas with ashtrays where it IS permitted. Our university is a non-smoking campus, but they have set up some designated smoking areas. A number of tourist attractions have done the same thing. Smokers still have the right to smoke, they just have to be mindful of the rights of others too.

Outside or in your own home? I think it depends on where you live. There are many apartment blocks in this country now who are banning smoking on balconies (they are already often non-smoking on the inside due to air-conditioning systems, etc). Smoking on your balcony can infringe on the rights of those in the apartment next door, above, below, etc. So I can see why they are setting rules about it.